Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle says he can’t speak to the financial commitments to the players as he does not pay them but spoke glowingly about the group ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against Morocco.
Chelle, 48, came into the tournament under mixed reception from supporters despite being unbeaten in their failed FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in which he arrived mid-way, succeeding Nigeria legend Finidi George.
However, the tides have turned with five consecutive wins in the competition towards the last-four, and in sublime form with commanding displays in the last-16 with a 4-0 win over Mozambique and a 2-0 win over Algeria in the quarter-finals.
But the bonus disputes has been a constant thorn in camp, according to reports in Nigerian media, with captain Wilfried Ndidi, said to have even stepped in to offer paying the squad what’s due to them, in order to prevent a boycott from training in the past few days.
Chelle avoided the question, whether things have been sorted, but emphasises what has been created amongst the group over the past few weeks – which he suggested after the win over Les Verts has been central to their impressive displays.
“Financially I don’t know [if they are prepared for the game], I don’t pay the players, I have no money, but emotionally, as we said, me and Alex, we won’t know what will happen after the game, if we win or lose,” Chelle said.
“This is football, but I am so proud of my players, they are together, we laugh together, we’re happy together, we suffer together and like Alex said, we are family, so me now, I’ve already won – I will go out this tournament with 28 brothers, so I am very happy about that.
“They have my respect, and I have their respect, so that’s the best win for me. So emotionally, every day when I wake up and I see their smile on their face, it’s the best present for me. And for my little brothers, I want to give my best to them, and I want them to win this trophy.”
The Super Eagles meet against the hosts tomorrow at the Prince Moullay Abdallah at 21h00 (GMT+1).
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